There are only 2 ways to put money into a Roth IRA: (1) an annual contribution, which must be based on earned income and can only be made up to a set dollar amount annually; and (2) a conversion from a traditional IRA, which requires immediate income recognition of the converted amount (assuming the account was funded entirely with deductible contributions). Amounts that must be taken as required minimum distributions (RMDs) are not eligible for conversion. Only amounts exceeding the RMD can be converted.
Gross income less allowable adjustments, such as IRA, alimony, and Keogh deductions. AGI determines whether various tax benefits are phased out, such as personal exemptions, itemized deductions, and the rental loss allowance and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).